In the organ of Corti, which structure anchors the receptor hair cells?

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Multiple Choice

In the organ of Corti, which structure anchors the receptor hair cells?

Explanation:
Hair cells in the organ of Corti are physically anchored to the basilar membrane. This membrane runs along the length of the cochlea and vibrates in response to sound, providing the base to which the hair cells are attached. As the basilar membrane moves, it causes the organ of Corti to shift relative to the overlying tectorial membrane, bending the hair cell stereocilia and triggering receptor potentials. The tectorial membrane sits above the organ of Corti and interacts mainly with the outer hair cell tips to influence amplification, but it does not anchor the hair cells at their base. The saccule and utricle are vestibular structures involved in balance, not in anchoring cochlear hair cells.

Hair cells in the organ of Corti are physically anchored to the basilar membrane. This membrane runs along the length of the cochlea and vibrates in response to sound, providing the base to which the hair cells are attached. As the basilar membrane moves, it causes the organ of Corti to shift relative to the overlying tectorial membrane, bending the hair cell stereocilia and triggering receptor potentials. The tectorial membrane sits above the organ of Corti and interacts mainly with the outer hair cell tips to influence amplification, but it does not anchor the hair cells at their base. The saccule and utricle are vestibular structures involved in balance, not in anchoring cochlear hair cells.

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